The UCLA Asian American Studies Center cordially invites to the U.S. film premiere of
"Anna May Wong ~ Frosted Yellow Willows: Her Life, Times, and Legend" and honoring Film Legend Nancy Kwan, star of "Flower Drum Song"
Saturday, January 19, 2008, 2-5 pm
Fowler Museum on the UCLA campus. Free and Open to the Public
RSVP REQUIRED. Seating Limited. CALL (310) 825-2974, or E-MAIL at: aascrsvp@aasc.ucla.edu by January 11, 2008.
PARK IN LOT 4. $8/DAY (Enter at Sunset Blvd and Westwood Blvd).
http://www.transportation.ucla.edu/maps/eventmap/EMImages/PDFs/FowlerMuseum.pdf
Renowned broadcast journalist and UCLA Anthropology/Asian American Studies Professor
Tritia Toyota will emcee this special U.S. film premiere, which is being sponsored by the "UCLA Chinese American Studies Campaign Initiative (CASCI)" of the UCLA Asian American
Studies Center. CASI was recently launched in support of research, teaching, and
community partnerships in Chinese American Studies. Community co-sponsors include the
Asian Pacific Alumni of UCLA, Chinese Historical Society of Southern California, and OCA
Greater Los Angeles. The UCLA Association of Chinese Americans is also a co-sponsor.
Written, directed, and produced by Elaine Mae Woo, "Anna May Wong ~ Frosted Yellow
Willows: Her Life, Times and Legend" is based on exclusive interviews with members of
Anna's family, childhood friends, fellow artists, and colleagues as well as rare film
footage secured from film archives, institutions, and libraries in the United States and Europe. Those interested in Hollywood history will find particular appeal in this
biographical film documentary which contains seldom-seen footage from some of her
European films.
Anna May Wong was the first Asian American actress whose stardom became internationally
recognized during the Golden Age of Hollywood's silent film era and in the 'new'
Hollywood era of sound to follow. With disarming sensuality and commanding presence, Anna
May Wong defined the role of the "Dragon Lady." From humble beginnings in a Chinese
laundry, she went on to star in pictures such as Technicolor's "Toll of the Sea" (1922),
Douglas Fairbanks' "The Thief of Bagdad" (1924), E.A. Dupont's "Piccadilly" (1929) and
Josef von Sternberg's "Shanghai Express" (1932) with Marlene Dietrich. While credited
with having acted in over eighty films, Anna was rarely given roles deserving of her talents.
This biographical documentary is narrated by award-winning and internationally acclaimed
Asian American actor, Nancy Kwan, who made her acting debut in "The World of Suzie Wong"
(1960) for which she was nominated for a Golden Globe in the Best Actress category by the
Hollywood Foreign Press. It was followed by a memorable performance in the film version
of Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Flower Drum Song" (1961), the first major western film with
an all-Asian cast. Ms. Kwan will be honored at this U.S. premiere for her unparalleled
accomplishments as a leading icon in Asian American media and film, as well as for her
pioneering work advancing the presence of Asian Americans in Hollywood.
Seating and Reservations:
The event is free, but seating is limited and reservations are required.
To RSVP or inquire further, please call (310) 825-2974, or send E-MAIL at: aascrsvp@aasc.ucla.edu by January 11, 2008, INDICATING NUMBER OF SEATS REQUESTING &
CONTACT INFORMATION FOR VERIFICATION. Following the screening will be a panel discussion
to include Nancy Kwan, film director Elaine Mae Woo, members of the production team, and other special guests. Campus parking is available in Lot 4 for $8.
"Anna May Wong ~ Frosted Yellow Willows: Her Life, Times & Legend" is directed by Elaine
Mae Woo; written by Elaine Mae Woo, Jean Lau and Ben Wong; produced by Elaine Mae Woo,
Kathy Mazza and Ed Manwell; associate produced by Jean Lau and Ben Wong; edited by
Stephen Burch and Stephen Waichulis. http://www.anna-may-wong.com |
